Numerical Analysis for Assessing the Influence of a Deflector on Heat Transfer and Flow inside a Cavity

Abstract

Numerical investigations have been conducted on convective heat transfer within cavities. This study employs a deflector to improve heat transfer, taking into account variations in Reynolds number (Re) and the position of a heated block (H). All cases are evaluated with a steady heat flux of 2000 W/m² applied to the block, and differing Re and H values. Specifically, Re values of 4000, 8000, 12000, and 16000, and H values of 0, 5, 10, and 15 cm are considered. Using ANSYS Fluent 21, finite volume analysis was carried out with employing the k-ε realizable model for the simulation. The results indicate that the block's position significantly affects the heat transfer rate and velocity distribution within the cavity. Furthermore, it was noted that as the distance between the block and the cavity's bottom surface (H) increases, the Nusselt number (Nu) also increases. Additionally, the deflector positioned at H = 15 cm and Re = 12000 enhances the Nusselt number by approximately 242.28% compared to a channel without a deflector.